Having been a fan since the beginning and witnessing the birth of the mainstream's oversimplified label of him as nothing more than a demagogue, this show was interestingly and strangely stripped down. I say strange because this side of Manson has not been seen since the days before Antichrist Superstar when he and Twiggy were best friends writing songs for fun. This tour, compared to even last year's show I bore witness to in Vancouver, is far less concerned with theatrics and instead focuses on the music; specifically, music from the new album "The High End of Low." Six songs were played from the new album.
Standout songs for me were, "Leave A Scar," "Wow," "Four Rusted Horses," and "Wight Spider." Manson saved a piece of his set for some older material like "Rock n Roll N***er" and "Little Horn" which were both played with an intensity that tore through the crowd and had the dilettantes running for the exits. Never one to pander to the mainstream, Manson did play "Sweet Dreams," "Dope Show," and "The Beautiful People" for the sheer fun of it, which also pleased those fans whose only exposure to the band has been from the censored radio and TV.
If you are not a fan of Manson's music and are only going to see the spectacle, the circus, and the myth that is the man, you will be disappointed. I repeat, this tour is a rebirth and a celebration for Manson and Twiggy, who are enjoying the simplicity of just writing songs together again, as best friends, as musicians and performing them live. I'm sure the sordid details and the spectacle that has at times overshadowed Marilyn Manson's music will return in future endeavours, but for now the band Marilyn Manson is all about the music and recapturing the spirit when he and Twiggy first met. It worked wonderfully last night and I had a great time.
The show was short, to the point, a liitle hard and a little sweet. Like having sex with a familiar lover, flipping through your favorite positions, and then falling asleep satisfied. No debauchery tonight, as we know what to do, and we do it well.